What Exactly Are Chia Seeds?
Chia seeds turned up out of nowhere in a bread recipe, and tracking them down wasn't easy. Here's what's behind these tiny seeds from Mexico and how to use them.
A recipe for a simple loaf of bread called for chia seeds. What on earth are chia seeds? Never heard of them before. So off I went to my local health shop first. Nothing on the shelves, but a friendly assistant explained they didn't stock them yet - though funnily enough, she mentioned customers had been asking about chia seeds non-stop lately.
I finally tracked some down at a health food store, though the price nearly knocked me off my feet: chia seeds there cost around £12 for 500 grams. Must be something rather special.
Where do chia seeds come from?
Chia seeds originate from Mexico, where they were once a staple food of the Maya. Among other things, they contain calcium, potassium, iron, zinc, magnesium and copper, as well as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
Nutritional values of chia seeds
As a rough guide, per 100 grams: around 444 kcal, about 31.1g fat, 4.5g carbohydrates, 31.4g fibre, 21.2g protein and 0.03g salt.
With around 15 grams a day as a rough guideline, you can work chia seeds into your diet as a nice addition.
Properties of chia seeds
While researching, here's what else I found out about chia seeds:
- they're a good source of protein
- they're rich in fibre
- they're gluten-free
- they can absorb large amounts of liquid and swell up considerably
- they have a neutral taste
There are probably plenty more reasons to give chia seeds a try. How do you use them, or where do they fit into your meals?
Recipes with chia seeds
In our recipe collection you'll find a few recipes using chia seeds, such as chia pudding, the coconut milk, yoghurt and cream cheese blueberry dessert, the yoghurt and quark breakfast, or the nut bread.
Frequently asked questions
Where do chia seeds come from?
Chia seeds originate from Mexico, where they were once a staple food of the Maya.
What are the nutritional values of chia seeds?
As a rough guide, 100 grams of chia seeds provide around 444 kcal, about 31.1g fat, 4.5g carbohydrates, 31.4g fibre and 21.2g protein.
How many chia seeds can I eat per day?
As a rough guideline, around 15 grams a day is often mentioned as a sensible addition to a normal diet.
Are chia seeds gluten-free?
Yes, chia seeds are gluten-free. They also have a neutral taste and can absorb large amounts of liquid.
Note: This article is for general information only. It does not constitute medical advice and is no substitute for diagnosis or treatment by doctors or qualified nutrition professionals. If you have any health concerns, please see your doctor.